PrepTest 150, Section 4, Question 3
This passage was adapted from an article published(462 more words not shown)
The author would most likely(11 more words not shown)
- Acritics were to(11 more words not shown)
- BMarsalis were to(12 more words not shown)
- CMarsalis were to(12 more words not shown)
- Drecord companies were(9 more words not shown)
- Eyoung jazz musicians(10 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
What makes the state of jazz grim? Companies are cutting back on developing new artists and putting their attention into old recordings. Marsalis's career helps illustrate that problem, but repairing his reputation alone would not repair the industry's treatment of new talent.
What we’re looking for
Predict renewed investment in new performers. The author need not want companies to stop selling older music; the concern is that the profitable reissues are displacing support for something else jazz needs.
Working the answers
- A
Softer criticism might improve Marsalis's reputation. It would not necessarily change the companies' decisions about developing new artists.
- B
Marsalis can keep making new music while the labels continue neglecting other performers. The author already recognizes that his music can be innovative. One musician's continued output doesn't resolve the broader problem.
- C
Speaking out against the criticism likewise doesn't tell us what record companies will do. The question is about the state of jazz, not just whether Marsalis successfully defends himself.
- DCorrect
This addresses the missing investment directly. Companies can continue reissuing old recordings while also developing new artists. That would preserve the benefits of older music without giving up on the next generation.
- E
The author is not asking young musicians to become more traditional. They can already learn from the past while creating something individual. Changing their attitude toward innovation would not ensure that companies invest in them.
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